Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh):  Following the Doka La face-off, which proved to be the most tensed military confrontations between the two countries in decades, India has deployed more military troops and significantly increased patrolling in the mountainous terrains of Dibang, Dau-Delai and Lohit valleys which borders with China in the Tibetan region in Arunachal sector

According to military officials, India is on its way to strengthen its surveillance mechanism to keep a vigil over the Chinese activities alongside the border of the Tibetan region. It has also started using helicopters for the purpose.

They said that India has decided to focus on dominating the treacherous terrains which include snow-clad mountains at an altitude of over 17,000 feet, and river passes, which is a part of a strategy to counter China’s rising assertiveness in the region along the border in Dibang, Dau-Delai and Lohit valleys.

“Post Doka La, we have increased our activities manifold. We are fully prepared to deal with any challenge,” said an army officer posted in Kibithu, the easternmost village on India’s border with China’s Tibetan region.

The official said the army has been enhancing its Long Range Patrols (LRPs) where troops in small groups go for long patrols for 15-30 days as part of an overall approach to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Actual Control which is the de-facto border between India and China.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doka La from 16 June last year after the Indian side stopped building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off was put to an end on 28 August.

“We have increased our deployment of troops while focusing on all the strategically important areas including a tri-junction among India, China and Myanmar,” said the official who wished not to be quoted as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The official said China has readied itself by ramping up its infrastructure development along India’s border, particularly in the Tibetan region and there was an urgent need for India to enhance its road network for quick movements of troops.

The army currently uses a foot suspension bridge to carry its military supplies to its Kibithu post, considered very crucial from an operational point of view due to the only road connecting the East bank of Lohit river with West bank remains closed due to landslides for the most part of the year.

However, a senior official of the Border Roads Organisation said many a number of roads including one to connect the Dibang Valley with Lohit Valley have been finalised which will improve the inter-valley connectivity in future of Arunachal.

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